Tuesday, December 30, 2014

The one-hour short lunch time is one of the biggest restrictions for most office workers to have a decent meal, especially in a classier restaurant. It is almost a mission impossible as the serving speed needs to be extremely fast for the restaurant but Western Spices did it perfectly. I've managed to get my lunch done within a short period of time, though the parking was inevitably inconvenient in the vicinity. The long established fine-dining restaurant- Western Spices has introduced a well-subsidized Set Lunch, particularly targeting the executives working in the nearby offices. The 4-course Set Lunch is available from Rm 19.90++ to Rm 35.90++.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Penang is a wonderful place where you get to find hidden gems everywhere; on one of my serendipitous encouters recently, I've found a Koay Teow Th'ng stall, tucked within a small alley along Lebuh Clarke. Business was brisk and many seemed to be regular patrons at this stall. Out of curiosity, I did a little research on the place and it appears that the Koay Teow Th'ng has been selling there for many years. They are famous of their Koay Teow Th'ng and their unique Pork-Tendon Balls. To find the place, navigate yourself to the end of Lebuh Clarke, near to the junction of Argyll Road and you should be able to see the stall on your right.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Deliberately set
out with a quirky and playful name that will be easily remembered by the general
public, What The Duck Café cum restaurant is a humble start up by Chef Daniel
Tan. The modern-Asian-fusion restaurant churns out delicate creations from Chef
Daniel, particularly using Duck meat as the main ingredient. The concept is
simple, to provide a healthy, affordable but delectable culinary journey
suitable for all age groups. What The Duck has quite an extensive menu,
covering both Western and Asian delights; some of the restaurant’s signature
dishes include Balinese Crispy Bek-Bek, Duck Confit, Hainanese Yam Duck etc.
Prices are wallet-friendly, truly a place for a well-subsidized fine-dining
meal. What The Duck Café is located at Nagore Road, opposite to the famous
Continental Bakery. Full set of menu can be viewed here.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Oh Sushi has been around for quite a few years and has since, one of the favorite places for Japanese food for many nearby residents of Japanese food. It was not a surprise for me to see the dinner crowd during weekends and it can be explained by the comprehensive menu that covers many choices for the diners. Budget conscious diners can go for cheaper options like Ramen or some noodle dishes while those with deep pockets could go for premium Bento set which offers a wide range of dishes. However, I thought the service could be more attentive, most of the foreign workers were friendly to us on our visit but not those supervisors/ managers (probably our appearances did not impress them), in which they did not even bother to serve us. I am not sure if the place is worth a second visit considering the foods were just satisfactory and the service was not that great.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Frequent travelers should not be new to the name- Naughty Nuri's Warung. The brand is famous for its signature Grilled Pork Ribs and once crowned as one of the best Pork Ribs in Bali by many renowned food connoisseurs. The brand started its humble beginning in Ubud, Bali by selling some grills; amongst the items, their Pork Ribs stood out and has since received many spotlights from tourists. Young entrepreneurs Mike and Sean brought the brand to Penang, opening the brand's first branch in the Norther Region of Malaysia; taking a notable spot at the junction of Swatow Lane and Burmah Road. The duo tries to replicate the setting in Bali, evidently seen from the wooden traits in the restaurant and man-made fountain as well as some artistic sculpture that represents Bali. Naughty Nuri's Warung specializes in serving Pork but they do have a comprehensive menu to satisfy every palate, including those who are not a fan of Pork.

Monday, December 22, 2014

The wait is over as one of the popular brands under The BIG Group has finally landed in Queensbay Mall Penang, occupying the now defunct Austin Chase shoplot on ground floor. The brand wishes to portray a younger vibe, clearly seen from the hanging light bulbs and exposed pipelines as well as the young and energetic service crew. Make your way until the end of the cafe and you will find an al-fresco dining area for those who prefer a more outdoorsy atmosphere, overlooking the bustling main street. Their extensively designed menu should have sufficient choices to please everyone, from appetizers, mains or even desserts. For those with a sweet tooth, make sure not to miss their range of luscious home-made cakes.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

One of the oldest Wanton mee establishments in Penang, the Wanton Mee stall in Tai Wah Coffee House has been operating for more than four decades and definitely sets a spot in many old Penangites' hearts. The Wanton Mee is a reminiscent of my childhood, a dish that is still preserving the flavors of yesteryears. My dad brought me to this shop 10 years ago and my recent visit was the second visit after so many years. The quintessential flavors were still there, almost on par, if not better than the famous stall at Chulia Street. Be there as early as possible, the place attracts a morning crowd as early as 8 am in the morning. Tai Wah Coffee House is located at Argyll Road, facing Caltex Petrol Station at Transfer Road.

Friday, December 19, 2014

The folks in KL should not be new to Coffea Coffee, the Korean-franchised Cafe has finally landed at Automall, Penang. The lure of this cafe is its wonderful assortment of light meals- home-made Quiches, Scones, Cakes and Sandwiches. It does not serve main, only Pastries, Cakes and Desserts. Coffea Coffee has its own blend of Coffee Beans and has since received quite a few number of awards according to their website. The location is strategic, it took the prominent spot of Automall, allowing it to place tables for their al-fresco dining area. It would be a great moment to enjoy the sea-breeze and their range of luscious Cakes while watching the world goes by. For the interior decor, Coffea Coffee uses wood to impart the homey and soothing feel to the space; with coffee tables neatly tucked. Interesting range of Pastry Cakes, cozy ambiance, energetic and lively service crew... one of the few cafes that I would love to revisit again in the near future.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Seafood plays an essential role in a well-balanced diet, containing a few nutrients that are crucial to humans. According to many engrossing research, it appears that there is an increasing demand for seafood lately which shows undoubtedly love for seafood. Chef Markus, a very young and talented Chef from Norway, was invited to showcase his signature Norwegian Seafood dishes to the members of the media; courtesy of the GST Group, one of the largest Seafood exporters and suppliers in Malaysia.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

One of the famous brands for Bear Paw Bun has finally invaded Gurney Paragon Mall, occupying a prominent spot on the Lower Ground floor of the mall (opposite to Sam's Groceria). The unique selling point of this brand will be their bear-paw-shaped Steamed Buns. Nothing to shout over for the food, pretty much a fast-food kiosk with burger-like concept or rather, a marriage between meat patty and steamed bun.

It’s the season for celebration, while we are in the mood of
celebration let us remember of the unfortunate ones too. The folks at Four
Points by Sheraton Penang brighten the lives of the many children. In the
spirit sharing joy, the hotel has invited some children from the Penang
Children Protection Society (CPS) to fulfill the Christmas and New Year wishes
of these children. The evening started with a simple ceremony by having the
children to unveil and display their wishes on a special Christmas tree specially
made by recycled materials- plastic bottles. The Christmas tree was then lit up
followed by a short speech delivered by the General Manager of Four Points by
Sheraton Penang.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

It's easy to miss D' Chef Dining at Lebuh Presgrave but the positive comments of the restaurant spread rapidly via words of mouth over the world of internet. Opened for just a few weeks, the place has already gathered an appreciate following. The popular space is manned by Chef Davine, a very talented Chef returned from Singapore. Due to shortage of manpower, the restaurant could offer a small menu at present but all of the dishes on the menu were meticulously designed. The menu will be changed once a month so stay tuned over their Facebook Page . Interior decor is minimalist, nothing fancy, no frills; but we could tell that the competitive advantage of D' Chef Dining will be the honed culinary skills of Chef Davine and her masterpiece, every single dish is a work of art.

Friday, December 12, 2014

It has been almost a year since Tok Tok Cuisine and Wine Bar's grand opening and many are still unaware of the place due to its concealed location at Taman Pekaka. To the right is Tok Tok Wine Bar, it has great setting with comfortable couches for a glass of leisure alcohol. It does not have much complicated setting but more towards minimalist sort of elegance in shades of wooden beam. On the left will be Tok Tok Cuisine, a restaurant offering a small Thai-menu with some local dishes. They do serve Thai food but the prices are slightly steeper (for the food) but fairly standard for alcohol so I can't see this as a regular dining place for me but I might step in for a glass of wine or so. Tok Tok Cuisine and Wine Bar is housed within Pekaka Square, next to Wang Chao Chinese Cuisine and same row as Maxim Dim Sum.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

It has been quite some time since the Thai Boat Noodles craze happened in KL; the newly built commercial building at Queensbay- Summerton welcomes the first Thai Boat Noodle-specialist in Penang. The outlet at Summerton is the brand's humble start up and it has certainly drawn quite some attention from local foodies lately. The place saw relentless queue everyday, with explorers waiting patiently to try the noodles. The place, however, needs to improve on their air-ventilation, air-conditioners and serving speed. The labor-intensive Thai Boat Noodles had all the workers occupied, the place had water on the floor; while the entire restaurant was warm and sweat-inducing. Thai Hao Chi Boat Noodle does not have much to offer, only Boat Noodles with a few Appetizers and a couple of Desserts. Prices are on the steeper side and with the bad experience I had, I am not sure if I am willing to return to this place in the near future.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Christmas is about celebration and indulgence, celebrate the season of joy together with your friends and family at G Hotel as the in-house restaurant G Cafe rolls out a special Christmas buffet-feast, featuring some dishes uniquely to the festive season. These are some of the highlights that diners can expect to see in the buffet spread.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

A bus depot that time has forgotten- the once forsaken Hin Bus Depot was revived in recent years. The authorities have been putting in efforts to turn the place into an artsy space for exhibitions and festivals. It is now one of the must-visit places in Penang especially if you are in the search of mural paints. Seeing this as a great opportunity, the management of Feeka extended their business here. The sister restaurant of Feeka is named after the road's name where Hin Bus Depot is situated- Bricklin Bar Cafe. Nestled at the corner of Hin Bus Depot, Bricklin Bar Cafe has the perfect setting for you to rewind and recharge, natural sunlight floods in via the glass window, illuminating the entire place; a perfect place to sip your cup of Joe and to read some of your favorite books. No mains are being served at the moment but they have plans on doing that early next year (2015). Right now, they have an array of home-made Pastries and Cakes, freshly delivered from their sister restaurant- Feeka.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Jit Seng Hong Kong Roast Duck at Carnarvon Street needs no further introduction as the place is well-known for its lip-smacking Roast Duck (ala Hong Kong style) and infamous for its extremely slow service. Spare yourself an hour if the coffee house is fully occupied with hungry regulars but expect no less than 30-minute wait otherwise. Albeit the items here (including Roast Pork Belly/ Sio Bak) are priced higher than market rate but it is still one of the few places that you can enjoy a decent plate of Hong Kong Roast Duck Rice.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The now defunct restaurant "The Sire Museum Restaurant" at King Street has turned into a new cafe that embodies not only Western dishes but some Asian delights as well. It is quite apparent that the cafe attempts to cater to the needs of office workers nearby; the prices shown on menu either include a starter or a drink or both. The place is spacious with natural light floods in through the raised ceiling, bestowing a warm and relaxed vibe. While we were not blown away by the food quality but both of us (my partner in crime) agreed that the place has the perfect setting for friends to catch up.

I feel privileged to be invited to attend such a prestige and meaningful event hosted by Farquhar Mansion last Thursday (27th of November 2014)- a charity night with the main aim to raise fund for the Society of the Disabled Person Penang (SDPP). Entrance ticket to the Masquerade-themed Charity Night was priced at Rm 299 each. That includes a buffet dinner with Canapes, free flow of Wines and Whiskies, Shanghai Pop Live Jazz Performance, Jewellery Fashion Show and Charity Auction.

Monday, December 1, 2014

There lies another hidden gem at the very quiet commercial building of Vantage Desiran Tanjung. Navigate your way to the upper floor and you will find yourself right in front of a seemingly curious Japanese restaurant with no English signage displayed. Push the door open and you will find yourself in a typical Japanese restaurant beautifully covered with evocative wooden walls. Simple, nothing fancy and without any traces of ostentation. Probably the management wishes to offer the best quality to their diners, their menu is quite limited with choices with rather steep prices. However, the restaurant managed to impress us with their top-notch quality food and we did not leave feeling shortchanged, every single penny was well-spent. I feel an overwhelming urge to indulge at this place again.